Solar Panel Cost Guide in Staunton, IL (2023 Update)
- Staunton Solar Installation Cost: $11,804
- 25-Year Savings: $14,951
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Staunton
We go over average solar pricing in Staunton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Staunton typically cost around 2.73. The average Staunton homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,810 with the federal tax credit, or $16,888 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Staunton based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Staunton homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Staunton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,715 |
| 3 years | $-11,536 |
| 5 years | $-11,358 |
| 7 years | $-11,179 |
| 9 years | $-11,001 |
| 11 years | $-10,823 |
| 13 years | $-10,644 |
| 15 years | $-10,466 |
| 17 years | $-10,288 |
| 19 years | $-10,109 |
| 21 years | $-9,931 |
| 23 years | $-9,753 |
| 25 years | $-9,574 |
Top Solar Installers in Staunton
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Staunton:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Staunton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Staunton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Staunton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Staunton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Staunton have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Staunton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $14,065 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $19,058 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $24,205 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $29,505 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $34,958 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $40,563 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $46,321 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $52,233 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Staunton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Staunton?
The average cost of solar panels in Staunton is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $866.31 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.